Communication
Issue: November / December 2012

A Diplomatic Approach to Office Politics

By - November 25, 2012

Whether you’re in the running or watching from the side-lines, it pays to keep this advice in mind when it comes to office politics.   Office politics is usually discussed as an external hindrance to be avoided, like traffic during the morning commute. But just as rush-hour drivers tend not to recognise that they are... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2012

Getting your PR right as a PA

By - September 25, 2012

Why paying attention to all the small things is critical when communicating with the media.   PAs often find themselves at the interface between the business and the outside world.  As such, they are responsible for the external image that the business portrays.  I want to share a story that happened recently, which has important... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2012

The power of storytelling.

By - September 25, 2012

A strong narrative is the key to successfully communicating with customers on the corporate website.     People are being bombarded with brand messages. From social media to advertising, the copious ways that brands are trying to spread their messages has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths, creating a sense of information overload... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2012

PA Pty Ltd: Building a Powerful Brand

By - September 25, 2012

We all understand what a brand is, but most of us do not know how it applies to us as office professionals or as human beings.   What is a brand? Brands are the way we identify companies and organisations – right? It is their color, their logo and often their slogan. Well, yes. But... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2012

How to negotiate for what you’re worth

By - July 25, 2012

This article will help you prepare yourself for the pay you deserve — whether you’re a job candidate or employee
Communication
Issue: May / June 2012

Multi-tasking: Your Email Could be Hazardous to Your Career Health

By - May 25, 2012

How many of us pride ourselves in our ability to multitask. We think it is an advantage – and maybe it is. But has it gone too far?   Let’s face it – multitasking isn’t really doing two things at once. Multitasking is alternating among tasks. In other words, you hit the print button, then... Read more »
Communication
Issue: May / June 2012

Regional Focus: South Africa – The Rainbow Nation

By - May 25, 2012

Executive Secretary asked three experts on the region to give their personal guides to doing business in South Africa. The Consultant’s View The founder of Kwintessential, Neil Payne is currently the Managing Director of the company, overseeing global operations. He is also responsible for the management of cultural awareness training in Europe. South Africa is... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2012

Regional Focus: China

By - March 25, 2012

Executive Secretary asked three experts on the region to give their personal guides to doing business in China. The Consultant’s View… The founder of Kwintessential, Neil Payne is currently the Managing Director of the company, overseeing global operations. He is also responsible for the management of cultural awareness training in Europe. China has been on... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2012

And now the case for speedwriting!

By - March 25, 2012

Does note-taking fill you with worry? There is an easier way says Heather Baker
Communication
Issue: March / April 2012

Actions speak louder than words

By - March 25, 2012

What effect are your words and actions having, and how can you tell? Many people go through their daily lives, whether at work or home, talking to other people and not really knowing the impact or affect their words or actions are having on other people – yet the words and actions we use on... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Why You Should Talk to Your Boss

By - January 25, 2012

Adam Fidler explains why a successful boss/PA working relationship is founded on face-to-face communication, and how PAs fall into the ineffective trap of relying solely on email as a source of dialogue with their boss In a previous organisation where I worked, having come from outside (rather than being a PA who was recruited from... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Rebuilding Workplace Relationships

By - January 25, 2012

Why they fall apart and how you can rebuild them ‘Whenever I walk into Jan’s office, she gives me the cold shoulder’. ‘Every time I see Tom, he gives me a nasty look before I can say hello’. ‘I get the feeling that Sally is mad at me’. Do any of these statements sound familiar?... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Rapport

By - January 25, 2012

What does rapport mean and how can I create it with anyone? asks Garth Delikan
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Collaborative Working

By - January 25, 2012

Collaborating with your peers for best results The Executive PA is expected to be a Jill of all trades, but there are times where you need to call on the expertise and advice of others. The key to success? Effective collaboration with your peers. As obvious as it may sound, all too frequently it is... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Working Well With Different Work Styles

By - November 25, 2011

It happened again. You carefully crafted an e-mail, making sure none of its points could be misinterpreted. You even numbered the three items that required attention and indicated the exact date and time by which you needed a reply. Nonetheless, the response arrived a day late, and you didn’t receive a clear answer to your... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Regional Focus: Russia

By - November 25, 2011

Executive Secretary asks an expert on the region to give his personal guide to doing business in Russia.   On the face of things Russia has changed. Political movement, government reforms, a stable economy, vast natural resources and a large population have all led to Russia becoming the R in BRIC (The big four: Brazil,... Read more »